Write a thoughtful argumentative essay responding to the following essay prompt. You are encouraged to research the issue and provide authoritative expert opinions to enhance the validity of your stance on the issue. Underline your thesis and provide an appropriate title for your essay, which should be 1,000 – 1,200 words in length. No more than 15% of your essay may be composed of quotations from properly documented sources per MLA requirements. Remember to include a Works Cited page to identify your sources.
The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States grants automatic citizenship to anyone born on American soil—including the children of undocumented immigrants. This principle is known as jus soli, or “right of the soil.” Many countries practice jus soli citizenship, including Argentina, Mexico, Canada, and Pakistan.
France, the United Kingdom, and other states use a modified version of jus soli, imposing an additional requirement for citizenship, such as having a parent who is a permanent resident.
Most countries, however, still use the principle of jus sanguina, or “right of blood.” Under this rule, an individual gains citizenship by having an ancestor who is a national or citizen of the state.
Germany, which traditionally had a strong jus sanguina system, has loosened its citizenship laws. As of 2002, children born on German soil can claim citizenship if one of their parents has lived in the country legally for eight years.
Conservatives in the current Congress of the United States are considering changing the law of “birthright citizenship” under the Fourteenth Amendment to eliminate what they call “anchor babies” (a derogatory term used to describe babies born under this law to lawful or unlawful immigrants) who can then establish a foothold for members of their families to gain entry to or remain in, the United States legally.
Do you believe the “birthright citizenship” law should be changed or modified in any way? Why or why not? Would changing the law fundamentally change what it means to be an “American”? Take a firm stand on this issue and provide clear evidence to support your assertion.
